MAGNUS – The role of milk protein and whey permeate in catch-up growth of children with moderate acute malnutrition

Acute and chronic malnutrition, which is widespread in many low-income countries, undermines health and human capital, i.e. work ability and level of education. The effect of nutritional interventions is lower than expected. This may be explained by poor bowel function and inflammation that reduce the effect of high quality nutrition.

By: Grith Mortensen

This study is based on children, in the age group 2-5 years, with moderate acute malnutrition. Independent and combined effects of milk protein and whey permeate on linear growth, weight gain and child development as well as possible mechanisms associated with growth and bowel health are investigated. In addition, it is investigated whether systemic inflammation, intestinal inflammation, intestinal function and the microbiota modify these effects.

Project: July 2017 - December 2021

Budget: 9.100.000 DKK

Financing: Dansih Dairy Research Foundation, University of Copenhagen, Arla Food for Health, Nutriset, US Dairy Export Council, Arla Foods Ingredients

Project manager: Henrik Friis and Benedikte Grenov

Institution: Department of Nutrition, Exercise and Sports, University of Copenhagen

Participants: Department of Nutrition, Exercise and Sports, University of Copenhagen and Mulago University Hospital

Publications

Hannah Pesu, Rolland Mutumba, Joseph Mbabazi, Mette F Olsen, Christian Mølgaard, Kim F Michaelsen, Christian Ritz, Suzanne Filteau, André Briend, Ezekiel Mupere, Henrik Friis, and Benedikte Grenov. 2021.
The Role of Milk Protein and Whey Permeate in Lipid-based Nutrient Supplements on the Growth and Development of Stunted Children in Uganda: A Randomized Trial Protocol (MAGNUS)
Curr Dev Nutr. 2021 May; 5(5): nzab067. Published online 2021 Apr 24. doi: 10.1093/cdn/nzab067